7 Things to Do in Bangkok for First-Time Visitors from Dubai

Having assisted numerous travelers from Dubai explore Bangkok over the years, we've noticed what tends to impress visitors from the UAE the most. Bangkok offers a perfect mix of cultural experiences, shopping, and urban adventure that makes for an excellent contrast to Dubai's ultramodern landscape.

What are the best things to do in Bangkok for visitors from Dubai? 

1. Explore the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

This is the absolute must-visit for first-time visitors from Dubai. The intricate architecture and golden spires provide a striking contrast to the modern skyscrapers of Dubai.

• Visit in the morning (before 10am) to avoid the worst of the crowds and heat
• Dress modestly - shoulders and knees must be covered (very different from Dubai's more relaxed beach areas)
• Don't miss the Emerald Buddha, which changes outfits three times a year based on the season

Many of our Dubai travelers are particularly fascinated by the detailed craftsmanship of the buildings – the millions of tiny mosaic pieces and gold leaf decorations that have been maintained for centuries.

2. Take a Private Longtail Boat Through the Canals

Dubai has its creek, but Bangkok's canals offer a completely different waterway experience:

• Navigate through the smaller, residential canals (khlongs) to see traditional wooden houses on stilts
• Experience local life that hasn't changed much in decades
• Feed the catfish at the temple stops (considered merit-making by locals)

The private boat experience lets you escape the busy city at your own pace; something our Dubai clients especially appreciate after the hustle of city life.

3. Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market

For shoppers from Dubai who are used to massive malls, Chatuchak offers something completely different:

• With over 15,000 stalls, it's one of the world's largest outdoor markets
• Find authentic Thai designer clothing that's not available in Dubai
• The best sections are Plants & Gardening (Section 3), Antiques (Section 26), and Ceramics (Section 17)

Most Dubai visitors don't realize you can arrange for shipping services right at the market for larger purchases, perfect for furniture finds that won't fit in your luggage.

4. Indulge in a Luxury Spa Experience

While Dubai has amazing spas, traditional Thai massage is completely different:

• Spa center, such as The Divana Spa, offers a royal Thai experience with treatments using herbs and flowers
• Panpuri Wellness specializes in organic treatments that appeal to health-conscious UAE visitors
• Request a "Tok Sen" massage, a northern Thai technique using wooden hammers that's rare to find elsewhere

Many of our Dubai guests are surprised to find that even the most luxurious spa treatments in Bangkok cost about 60% less than similar experiences in the UAE.

5. Dine at a Rooftop Restaurant

Coming from Dubai's impressive rooftop scene, Bangkok offers a different perspective:

• Sirocco at lebua State Tower (where scenes from The Hangover II were filmed) offers stunning river views
• Vertigo at Banyan Tree provides 360° city views with excellent seafood
• Sky Bar at Lebua has crafted special non-alcoholic "mocktail" menus popular with visitors from the Gulf

For those observing halal dietary requirements, we recommend Vertigo which can accommodate special requests with advance notice.

6. Visit Asiatique The Riverfront

This open-air mall combines shopping, dining, and entertainment in a way that resonates with Dubai visitors:

• The giant Ferris wheel provides river views similar to (but much less expensive than) the Ain Dubai
• Over 1,500 boutiques offer unique Thai designer goods not found in Dubai
• The Calypso Cabaret show offers family-friendly entertainment

Most Dubai travelers don't realize that the best time to visit is after 7pm when the heat subsides and the river breeze cools things down.

7. Take a Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Just 80km from Bangkok, this ancient capital offers:

• UNESCO World Heritage ruins that date back to 1350
• The famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat
• A glimpse into Thailand's rich history before modern development

Many of our UAE clients choose to travel by private van rather than train for comfort and flexibility. The journey takes about an hour, similar to driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

For the most seamless experience combining these activities, Epic Travel can arrange customized Bangkok packages with private guides who understand the preferences of our Dubai travelers and top things to do in Bangkok. From halal dining options to shopping experiences, we specialize in making your Bangkok adventure unforgettable.